Our Services Helping Hands AfterCare

Nearly 18 million Americans have diabetes, though nearly half don't know it. Helping Hands offers individuals with diabetes and stroke a central location for coordinated, accessible and comprehensive diabetes and stroke services.

Helping Hands offers individual counseling, education classes and support groups to patients who are referred to them through the hospital or through primary care physicians. For information about the Helping Hands aftercare, call (404) 372-4057

The Rehabilitation Process

The sooner rehabilitation begins, the more likely the patient will benefit. In fact, your doctor will probably start the rehabilitation process within days of a stroke’s onset. Rehabilitation takes many forms depending on the patient’s needs. It is available on an inpatient, outpatient or at-home basis. For some, emphasis may be placed on increasing strength, coordination and motor skills. Speech therapy, instructions on proper eating and food preparation techniques may be appropriate for patients having trouble swallowing. Because a stroke affects the entire family, special attention is focused on helping stroke sufferers relearn daily activities such as walking, dressing, or driving, with the understanding and support of family members.

The Risk Factors You Can Control

It’s important to control any risk factors, which may include high blood pressure, diabetes, irregular heartbeat, heart valve problems, smoking, elevated blood cholesterol levels, carotid artery disease, and others. Controlling these conditions may not speed recovery, but it may reduce the chance of having another stroke. For example, high blood pressure or diabetes may respond to a change in diet or exercise. Your doctor can advise you about what changes you should make. Medication can also be used to prevent stroke. Some stroke survivors benefit from chances of having another stroke due to blood clots. Some patients may need medications that lower blood pressure, improve blood lipid or cholesterol levels and regulate an irregular heartbeat.

How To Spot The Early Warning Signs

The symptoms that signal a decreased blood supply to the brain are called Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA). TIAs resolve within hours, but must be taken seriously. If you, or anyone you know experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor. The longer these symptoms continue, the more likely the stroke may cause permanent damage.

Important Stroke Facts

Stroke Symptoms

• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden sever headache with no known cause.